In the summer of 2011, Swedish resident Richard Handl built a nuclear reactor at his home. He described the detailed construction steps in his blog. Since that time, independent construction of a reactor at home has become a reality. Theoretically, if he succeeds, the others can do the same.
Necessary
- - materials for the manufacture of the case;
- - materials-moderators of neutrons;
- - nuclear fuel;
- - rods made of boron and cadmium.
Instructions
Step 1
Make an aluminum and stainless steel case with dielectric material inserts. Provide one or more openings in the housing and space for nuclear fuel fission. Use deuterium and tritium as fuel for the reactor. According to the formula 2H + 3H = 4He + n, this fuel will provide an energy power of the fission reaction of 17.6 megaelectronvolts. This power is quite enough for domestic consumption.
Step 2
Make a neutron moderator. Slow neutrons are the catalyst for a nuclear reaction. Some of the best moderators include water, heavy water, graphite, and beryllium, of which beryllium is the best.
Step 3
Attach a convection system to the reactor. In a nuclear reaction, the case will be very hot and must be cooled. The convection system must be forced to cool the reactor vessel in approximately the same way as the engine in a car. A sufficiently large tank can be used instead of a radiator.
Step 4
A steam turbine must operate from a convection system and convert water vapor into mechanical energy. Connect an electric generator to the turbine through the transmission shaft to generate electricity.
Step 5
To set up a nuclear chain reaction, build in a boron or cadmium rod insertion system. When they are introduced into the active zone, the reaction will stop. Mount a neutron reflector around the reactor vessel using one of the moderators. If you wish to use the cooling system as a reflector, please note that the thickness of the water layer in the cooling jacket must be at least 10 cm.
Step 6
Mount the radioactive shielding around the entire reactor. Lead and concrete are the traditional materials for the absorption loop. The effectiveness of the radiation protection will depend on the thickness of the protective layer.
